Dumbwaiters are valuable additions to homes and businesses, increasing resale value while improving efficiency. However, they can be expensive to design and install. The cost of a dumbwaiter depends on many factors including its size, weight capacity, motor type, location and more.
A simple dumbwaiter can be made for a fraction of the cost Dumbwaiter Cost of professional installation. Home improvement expert Danny Lipford demonstrates how to build and install one in this video tutorial. This inexpensive model can transport laundry, firewood, dishes, tools and other items between levels of a home without opening up walls. This model is ideal for older homes with small shafts.
The first step in installing a new dumbwaiter is building a shaft for the car to travel through. For existing homes, this may involve opening walls and possibly rerouting electrical wires and plumbing. For new construction, it can mean adding a space or converting an existing duct. Once the shaft is complete, a track is installed along with control panels at each level where the dumbwaiter will stop.
There are two main types of dumbwaiters: manual and motorized. Manual units are operated by pulling a rope and use smaller cars that can hold up to 50 pounds. Motorized units use electric motors and are more efficient and faster. They can be used to move heavier loads and have a higher weight limit. The size of the shaft and car will also impact the overall cost.
Residential dumbwaiters can range in price from $13,000 to $20,000. This includes the cost of the materials and installation. It is important to hire a certified professional to install your dumbwaiter as it is dangerous to try to install them yourself. It is also a safety risk to leave a dumbwaiter unattended, so it is necessary to have yours regularly serviced and inspected by a licensed professional.
In addition to residential dumbwaiters, there are also exterior versions that are used to transport items like firewood and food into a home or onto a deck. They can be more costly to install than indoor models but are a great way to get items from the basement or lower levels into the kitchen, living room, master suite or other rooms. These can be especially useful for elderly and disabled people who would otherwise have a hard time moving heavy items up and down the stairs.